Replies to This Discussion

ModeratorPermalink Reply by Gary Mortimer on March 4, 2010 at 3:38pm

Well you will struggle to find anything to do that below $100,000 if at all.

Maybe somebody here will prove me wrong ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Rory Paul on March 4, 2010 at 4:30pm

You could try Aerovate There are no specs on his systems but it looks like a modified airframe could accommodate the payload you want to fly.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Bruder on March 4, 2010 at 5:53pm

Thanks for the info.

What is the biggest cost that would make this $100,000?

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Gary Mortimer on March 4, 2010 at 6:40pm

Well compliance with the law would take a chunk of money. But to fly a 20-25 KG airframe the servos, motor, and bits all have to be top notch because the possibility to cause harm to those on the ground and in the air is high. You would also need properly trained operators they won't come cheap.

Add to that a runway to fly it from.

Oh I could thinks of lots of reasons!

You will be doing this for money so the law of the land aside you will need two systems, one for in case.

I should go back to the biggest cost, either the power system or autopilot, bet they will end up about the same.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Bruder on March 4, 2010 at 7:00pm

Gary,

Thanks again for the information. As you have alluded I do not have the desire to get into the UAV business but I do want to use a UAV for testing and demonstration of my equipment.

Have you heard of the DraganFlyer X6 the base model is $16995. Any thoughts on this?

http://www.draganfly.com/quote/DF/Helicopters/DF-X6/Custom/

Alternatively are there any UAV providers or UAV enthusiasts that would mount my equipment and operate the UAV for testing and client demonstrations?

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Permalink Reply by Rory Paul on March 4, 2010 at 8:59pm

Robert

You need to take a look at the FAA regulations with regards to operating a UAV for commercial use. The bottom line is that you cannot operate for profit in the NAS and there is really no word on when that will change and how much it is going to cost to have a compliant aircraft and crew. The size and weight you mention would put your UAV in a very regulated class and very much on the FAA's radar.

Sorry to be Mr Doom and Gloom but some of us have been at this for years and are not getting anywhere fast with regards to legislation that would make commercial use a reality.

Here is a link Rules

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Permalink Reply by Robert Bruder on March 4, 2010 at 10:03pm

All,

Thank you for all of the help and input.

I understand the concerns and frustrations in regards to amateur and commercial limitations of UAV usage.

Fortunately, gaining clearances to operate these types of UAV's will not be an issue. The issue we have is that we have limited access to modify the current UAV's we are using for testing.

As the UAV is being used for new product development I am looking for alternatives to the $250 k plus price tag of a new UAV that meets these requirements.

So the reason for posting remains. Is there a secondary market for UAV's? Or would somebody be willing to provide a quote to build a UAV that is closer to the DraganFlyer price range?

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Permalink Reply by Ryan on March 4, 2010 at 9:49pm

To get something with the reliability and usablility for such a large payload, I assume high value as well then you're better off buying flight time instead of trying to own the whole system.

Other wise I don't think you will find something that would fit the bill, not even $250K.

It's not just the "plane", there're GCS, tools, spares, training, and a whole lot of other equipments.

15kg payload pretty much bring you into another class of UAV not to mention your other requirements such as endurance, range, video datalink, etc...

You maybe able to build one for around $100K.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Bruder on March 4, 2010 at 10:12pm

Again Thank you everyone for the replies.

There are obviously overhead costs associated with the project. Specifically I am looking for a detailed cost break down of building or purchasing just the aerial vehicle portion.

Could you provide a more detailed break down of what would cost $100k?

Specifically. I cannot go to my boss and just say I need $100k to build a UAV. I must provide a cost break down analysis.

There are the obvious components of a power plant and pre-built frame etc. Where could I obtain these items?

I would much rather not re-engineer these items.

Truly thanks everyone for the great responses.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan on March 4, 2010 at 11:11pm

You should really do this research yourself but here are some info for thought:

Autopilot (a good one) ~$10K
GCS (at least one) ~$10 to 15K
Video Tx/Rx (Analogue or Digital) ~$20K to $60K (including control station, etc...)
Ground Data Terminal (GDT - antenna tracking, etc...) ~$30k - $50K

and so on and so on...

Of course there are ppl who say they can do for less but it will probably look like a univerisity project that fly only 5% of the time.

On the other hand if you buy flight time, you may be looking at $1000 to $5000 per hour - depending on who you talk to and what kind of platform. At least you don't have to change the oil and pump the tires sort of speak! :)

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Permalink Reply by Greg Fletcher on March 4, 2010 at 10:25pm

What is the mission of this UAV. A good rc pilot can fly a large plane within visual range. A long range autonimous UAV is a different story. Ask these guys for a quote. 50-100K ?
They could do it.

http://www.aerosonde.com/

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Permalink Reply by Rory Paul on March 4, 2010 at 10:31pm

Robert

Take a look at http://www.rotomotion.com/index.html

If you are looking for a non fixed wing platform.

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